History of Westport, New York

Glimpses into the Past

Editor’s note: I am happy to announce that I am once again the Historian of the Town of Westport after a 4 year hiatus from this position. Many people have commented on the long absence of this newsletter featuring bits of history of our beautiful town. I hope the return of this publication is informational and inspires readers to do additional research on the featured topics. If my readers have questions and/or comments, or suggestions for future topics, please send them to me at bwhite@westelcom.com.

Tidbit: did you know that the appointment and duties of the Town Historian are governed by the Title U, Articles 57 (Divisions of History and Public Records) and 57-A (Local Government Records Law) of the New York (State) Arts and Cultural Affairs Law?

Graphic Timeline

Father Isaac Jogues was tortured by Iroquois Indians on the island in Coll’s Bay.

1764

William Gilliland surveyed and named the patent of Bessboro.

1770

The first settlement within the borders of our town was formed by Edward Raymond near the mouth of the brook which empties in Lake Champlain near Camp Dudley. This settlement was almost entirely destroyed during the Revolutionary War.

1785

Hezekiah Barber made the first permanent settlement within the town of Westport.

1798

A township was formed which included the present day Elizabethtown and Westport.

1800

Enos Loveland formed a settlement near the present Hoisington Cemetery on Ledge Hill Road.

1800

The first map of the Village was made. The map laid out 34 lots and 3 streets: Washington, Liberty and Water Street. Water Street ran north and south along the lake shore and intersected Washington and Liberty.

1800

John Halstead built the first frame house (Halstead Tavern) at the top of the lake hill.

Meeting Calendar

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